How Social Media Affects Us

Were you at Connected@Elon?

93% of hiring managers review a candidate’s social media presence before making a hiring decision

This flexible presentation humorously challenges the audience to think about how they use technology and social media, and what the unintended consequences could be. There are three forms of this presentation: One for first-year college students, one for college juniors and seniors, and a third version for working professionals.

For First-Year College Students

I love working with all college students, but first-year students tend to be my favorite in the group. Their brains are still growing, and they’re just beginning to understand that their actions have long-term consequences (both positive and negative).

The ways students use social media are rewarding, fascinating, and sometimes concerning. A careless post on Facebook, a risqué photo on Instagram, or a screenshot someone took of a snap on Snapchat can have lasting repercussions several years later when they enter the professional workforce.

To boost awareness of this, I’ve created a version of this presentation for first-year students that humorously challenges them to think about how they use technology, and what the consequences could be. There are harmonicas, Civil War soldier impersonations, and cute baby animals. You can check out a preview here:

For College Juniors and Seniors

This version includes an extra focus on how to write a proper email to a potential contact, leverage social networks to build a positive social media presence, and establish a professional network using services like LinkedIn.

For Working Professionals

This version includes an extra focus on appropriate uses of social networks to build a positive social media presence, and establishing a professional network of colleagues for personal and professional development.

Are you ready for your students or employees to learn about the real benefits and consequences of social media? Let’s talk.